A Beginner’s Guide to Working Conditions for Film Directors
Film directors represent some of the most engaged and involved of the film industry. They’re responsible for turning the written words of a script into the elaborate and amazing visuals of a motion picture film. The backbone of quality, the film director acts as the eyes of the film. Ensuring the final product is one of success and quality. In the event of all of this, film directors take on a very physically demanding, mentally draining, and emotionally charged scenario in which time at work can be anything but relaxing. In fact, the working conditions for film directors can be particularly demanding, the environment potentially hazardous or at least dangerous on many accounts, and the pace anything other than slow.
If you’re thinking about a career in film, specifically as a film director? It’s important for you to understand what you’re getting yourself into. And to consider whether you can reasonably manage within the work environment.
Working conditions for film directors can be harsh, hard to cope with, and incredibly demanding on all accounts. Do you have what it takes?
Long Days & Longer Nights
It’s not unusual for a film director to tackle a 20 hour work day. In fact, the days as a working film director can be quite long and challenging. And the nights are often equally following suit.
Not only must film directors prepare for a life of working under extreme conditions. In which shared space, limited downtime, and significant pressure are daily occurrences. They must prepared to do so with limited sleep.
Although there are no set rules specifying a 20 hour workday or an increasingly busy workweek. The intensity of the career lends to such conditions.
The Climb to the Top Takes Time
Although not necessarily the typical “corporate ladder”, becoming a film director requires a lot of time spent on the film set. Working in various stages and steps of the production process, gaining a feel for the ins and outs of the production process.
Working conditions for film directors are almost certainly going to be marked by periods of intensity in which practical experience is the only real step in the right direction for the director.
The climb from the bottom, in film school, to the top as a film director is not one to take lightly. It’s certainly not an easy climb! And will be marked by many periods of long hours, low pay, and equally low responsibility. Once the top is reached there are certain periods of success.
Physical Working Conditions for Film Directors
Working conditions for film directors are physically demanding. In addition to long work hours and days that could span upwards of 20 full hours on set, directors often work outdoors. This means that they’re subject to elements including heat, extreme cold, rain, sleet and snow.
Extensive travel is another potential disturbance to the physical working conditions for film directors. In fact travel may include flying across the country, or local travel in a car, truck or van.
During the course of travel, film directors must be prepared to spend time around others who are equally busy, but share work spaces.
In Summary
Becoming a film director is certainly an accomplishment, and a great achievement. If you’re considering the idea of a career in film, directing is a great goal.
The working conditions for film directors may be harsh, challenging, and charged but the benefits and sense of accomplishment that comes from this rewarding career is worth the investment of your time and efforts.
